A view of homeless encampments illustrating the challenges of homelessness in Central Florida.
A new Florida law targeting homelessness raises concerns among Central Florida community leaders. Set to take effect in January 2025, it allows residents to sue local governments over unsanctioned encampments. This law coincides with a severe housing crisis, with thousands of residents struggling to find shelter. Local officials are exploring alternatives like a ‘homeless court’ as solutions to these rising challenges, but the future remains uncertain for vulnerable populations.
In the bustling city of Orlando, a group of unsheltered men have found a precarious haven beneath an I-4 overpass. Here, they share their daily lives, trying to find some semblance of safety, away from prying eyes. Individuals like Mark Jarrett and Daniel Butler have made this spot their home, utilizing it as a refuge to protect their belongings. Unfortunately, they don’t enjoy this freedom for long, as each day they wake to the sound of police sirens around 5:45 a.m., signifying the end of their sanctuary.
As many in the Sunshine State are becoming aware, Florida’s new law concerning homelessness will be enforceable starting January 1, 2025. This piece of legislation allows residents and business owners to sue local governments if they fail to clear encampments within a mere five business days after a complaint is made. While the law prohibiting camping began its journey on October 1, 2024, the actual enforcement is set to roll out in the New Year.
This new legal framework doesn’t come without its share of concerns. Many fear the potential for lawsuits against local governments as soon as this law takes effect. Community leaders and organizations are rallying, worried about the impact this will have on the already vulnerable populations living on the streets. The Christian Service Center, a local organization, reports an impressive effort, having helped over 1,110 individuals find homes in 2024 alone. Yet, the affordable housing crisis continues to loom large over Central Florida, impacting those seeking stability.
An official count shows that a staggering 2,883 people are currently homeless in Central Florida, with 1,201 of those individuals sleeping outdoors in neighboring Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. Unfortunately, each of these counties is struggling with a severe lack of shelter beds, with only 590 available in Orange County, 119 in Seminole County, and an alarming zero in Osceola County. This inadequate support system leaves many individuals vulnerable and exposed.
Amid rising concern, local government officials are discussing innovative alternatives to detainments, such as the introduction of a “homeless court”. This approach could provide a diversion for those arrested for minor offenses related to their homelessness. In an effort to tackle these challenges head-on, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith has established a special homeless intervention unit. In a year-to-date report, this unit logged a staggering 26,500 interactions, with 541 arrests made, primarily concerning municipal penalties rather than homelessness itself.
The housing crisis in Central Florida is further intensified by soaring living costs. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment has skyrocketed from about $1,264 in 2019, now sitting at approximately $2,100. Advocates argue that stagnant wages combined with spiraling housing prices are the key drivers behind the increased number of people facing homelessness.
Living without a roof comes with its risks, as demonstrated by individuals like Jeff Castner, who brave unsafe conditions while waiting on disability income or searching for affordable housing options. Despite the overwhelming evidence of need, no public camping bans have yet been established in Orange County, although a vote on this matter is set for January 7, 2025. Meanwhile, Seminole County has taken steps to authorize its own camping ban, allowing law enforcement to arrest repeat offenders for trespassing.
The current affordable housing shortage in Central Florida stands at an alarming 55,000 housing units, plunging countless individuals into dire living conditions. As Florida’s new homelessness law approaches, community members, officials, and advocates are left to wonder how this law will reshuffle the already fragile framework of assistance in place. With the timeline closing in, one can only hope for more thoughtful solutions to emerge.
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